If you’re looking for a dish that brings tropical sweetness and comforting warmth together in one delicious package, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is bound to become a new favorite. Combining tender, juicy chicken with the bright, tangy flavors of pineapple and a subtly sweet honey-mustard sauce, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, this recipe delivers both simplicity and flair. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward, accessible ingredients. Each item plays a vital role in creating a balanced dish bursting with flavor, energy, and texture.
- Boneless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up every bit of that luscious sauce.
- Dried thyme: Adds an herbaceous background note that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- Vegetable oil: For browning the chicken beautifully, locking in juices and flavor.
- Canned sliced pineapple: Brings the tropical tang and natural sweetness that define this dish.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to just the right consistency for coating the chicken.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the honeyed pineapple sauce.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness that balances the tangy pineapple and mustard.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses savory warmth that rounds out the flavors.
- Cooked rice: The perfect vehicle to soak up all the sauce and complete the meal.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken Like a Pro
Start by seasoning 1 and a half pounds of boneless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. This simple seasoning blend forms the savory foundation for your dish, gently highlighting the chicken without overpowering those vibrant pineapple flavors.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken for Flavor
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides. This step locks in moisture and creates a lovely caramelized crust that adds texture and depth to the final dish. Browning is where some magic starts to happen!
Step 3: Prepare Pineapple and Sauce Components
Drain the canned sliced pineapple, reserving the juicy syrup for later. This juice is pure gold, packed with flavor to give your sauce that signature tang. Then, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 ounces of the pineapple juice in a small bowl—this mixture will thicken your sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Mix the Honey-Mustard Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together the remaining pineapple juice, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. The interplay between the sharp mustard and sweet honey makes a sauce that perfectly complements the pineapple and chicken.
Step 5: Simmer and Build Flavors
Pour the honey-mustard mixture into the skillet with the browned chicken. Cover it and let everything simmer gently for 15 minutes. This slow cooking allows the chicken to soak up all the lovely sauce flavors while staying tender and juicy.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce and Add Pineapple
Remove the chicken briefly from the pan and stir in the cornstarch mixture, bringing the sauce to a gentle boil. This step gives your sauce a luscious texture that clings perfectly to each bite. Return the chicken to the pan, add the pineapple slices on top, and cover for 2-3 minutes to warm the fruit and meld the flavors.
Step 7: Serve Over Rice
Plate your tender chicken and pineapple alongside or atop 4 servings of cooked rice. The rice soaks up every bit of the honeyed sauce, making every mouthful a sweet-savory delight.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish visually and add some fresh textures, consider sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over the top. A few toasted sesame seeds add a subtle nutty crunch and make the presentation feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a simple cucumber salad or steamed green beans. These add a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory main dish without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves. Not only does it look stunning, but you also get added bursts of pineapple aroma and flavor with every bite—perfect for entertaining or making an everyday meal feel exotic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while retaining most of its juicy flavors. Be sure to cool it down before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing
While the pineapple and sauce generally freeze well, the texture of the chicken and rice may soften upon thawing. If you choose to freeze leftovers, use a freezer-safe container, and consume within 2 months for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the sauce’s smooth consistency. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken tougher.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can add an even brighter flavor and natural sweetness. Just be sure to reserve some juice or add a little water when making your sauce to keep it from becoming too thick.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the cornstarch with a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder, and double-check that your mustard is gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe without worry.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through and tender.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe is mild and sweet with no added heat. If you love a little kick, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While traditionally made with chicken, you can swap in tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Marinate and cook them similarly to soak up the delicious pineapple-honey-mustard sauce.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe means inviting a wonderful combination of tropical and savory flavors right into your home kitchen. It’s simple enough for busy days but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Dive in and enjoy every sweet, tangy, and tender bite—you might just find your new go-to comfort meal!
Print
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce with Dijon mustard and honey, served over fluffy cooked rice. This dish combines juicy pineapple slices and a rich, savory glaze, perfect for a quick and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 and a half pounds boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 can (20 oz.) sliced pineapple, juice reserved
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
To Serve
- 4 servings cooked rice
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts evenly with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to ensure they are flavorful throughout cooking.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and brown them on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely colored but not fully cooked through.
- Prepare Pineapple: Drain the canned pineapple slices, reserving all the juice for use in the sauce and thickening mixture.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 ounces of the reserved pineapple juice. Stir until smooth and set aside to prevent lumps when thickening the sauce later.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the remaining pineapple juice with 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, and the minced garlic cloves. Stir well to create a rich, tangy sauce base.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Pour the mustard-pineapple mixture into the pan with the browned chicken. Cover the pan and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Remove the chicken temporarily from the pan. Stir the reserved cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and bring it to a boil, cooking until the sauce thickens noticeably, about 1-2 minutes.
- Finish Cooking: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, add the drained pineapple slices on top, cover, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the pineapple and meld flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the pineapple chicken and sauce over cooked rice and serve immediately for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fresh cooked rice or store-bought steamed rice for convenience.
- Adjust honey amount to taste if a sweeter or less sweet sauce is preferred.
- Pineapple juice can be strained if pulp is undesired in the sauce.
- For extra flavor, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for a juicier result.
